"Why does my heel hurt?" This is a common question that the podiatrists of Dr. Kenneth Meisler and Associates hear from their patients in New York City, New York. Heel pain is a problem that affects a lot of people for varying reasons, but our podiatrists are committed to diagnosing the source of your heel pain and restoring your comfort and activity as quickly as possible. Read more about the causes and treatments associated with heel pain here.

Plantar fasciitis

The foot is made up of many different structures to keep it flexible and supportive of your body weight. One of the foot's ligaments - bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones - is the plantar fascia, which runs along the inside of each foot between the ball and the heel. The plantar fascia is subject to inflammation from various activities like long periods of standing, excessive exercise and a sudden and marked increase in activity. When this happens, patients visit their New York City podiatrist complaining of a throbbing or stabbing heel pain upon getting out of bed in the morning. Many times, plantar fasciitis can be corrected with a change in routine, shoe inserts and at-home exercises. In cases that don't respond to rest and other treatments, Extracorporeal Schock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be needed to treat heel pain. In severe cases, surgery may be needed for relief.

Achilles tendinitis

The origin of pain from this condition, which is due to inflammation of another connective tissue, is usually the back of the heel and is described as a burning pain in that area. Like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis is often caused by too much activity, hurts worse in the morning, and improves as the day goes on. Conservative approaches like rest, shoe inserts, and treating the pain with alternating heat and ice may be helpful for healing. It's important to see your New York City podiatrist for this type of heel pain, however, as the Achilles tendon can rupture or tear with repeated injuries.

There are many other causes of heel pain, including arthritis and fractures, and only a licensed podiatrist can diagnose the source of it. Trust your New York City podiatrists at Dr. Kenneth Meisler and Associates to provide you with comprehensive and effective treatment for your heel pain or any other foot and ankle problem!